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City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak hinted at a big window at the Mancunian club in the summer transfer period following a trophyless season for Pep Guardiola and Co.
Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak. (X)
Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak hinted at a big window at the Mancunian club in the summer transfer period following a trophyless season for Pep Guardiola and Co.
City finished the recently concluded Premier League season third behind Liverpool, who clinched their record-levelling 20th English top-flight title under Arne Slot, and second-placed Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, in a tumultuous season marked by turbulence in head coach Guardiola’s personal life and a prolonged bout of injury to Ballon d’Or-winning midfielder Rodri.
“This January we had to act,” Khaldoon said.
City roped in Omar Marmoush from Eintracht Frankfurt, Abdukodir Khusanov from RC Lens and Nico Gonzalez from Porto in addition to reinforcing the squad with a number of loan moves and youth retentions.
“Four players came in January, and that gives you an idea of what’s coming this summer because we will continue,”
City will also have to deal with the departure of the star playmaker Kevin De Bruyne, and Al Mubarak clarified that the side have clear direction to head about in the transfer market to further add to their strength.
“We have clearly identified who exactly are the targets, in what positions, and we have our clear number one option, our clear number two option,” he elucidated.
“And we’ll go about our business and it will be very clear, very swift. And our objective is to try to be ready with the new squad for the Club World Cup,” the 49-year-old said.
Al Mubarak also reiterated the management’s trust in the Guardiola and added that the sentiment goes both ways, with the Catalan tactician finishing the season strong by securing the side’s berth in the subsequent edition of the UEFA Champions Legaue.
“We trust Pep Guardiola a lot, and at the same time, he trusts us, and he trusts the system and the club,” the chairman added.
“This helps the club continue to succeed, and at the same time, it helps us overcome difficult times,” Al Mubarak added.
He also went on to reveal the mentality around the side ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States citing the example of star striker Erling Haaland who has opted to stay back with the club and train instead of a holiday.
“Erling Haaland didn’t want to go on vacation. He wanted to stay with the physios and prepare for next season.”
“That’s the attitude you want. We’re going to come back strong, with positivity,” the chairman stated.
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United Kingdom (UK)
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